On a Windows Vista or Vindows 7 disk, all versions of the operating system are present, from Starter to Ultimate, and everything in between. So, if you want too upgrade to a more capable version of Windows down the road, all you need to do is pop the Windows disk in, let Windows Anytime Upgrade do its thing, and you're done. It seems like Intel is experimenting with a similar technology... For its processors.

"Where is the scam? The consumer is being told what he is buying up front."

Like most PC buyers have any idea about specs? Wait until the Marketing department gets hold of this. The "upgrade" feature will be buried or left out of the advertising. Once they get the PC home and open the box they will be confronted with a friendly little note saying "Get the most out of your PC for only $50!". This is basically only hiding the true cost of the machine in order to have a competitive advantage at time of sale.